Old Map of Vancouver & British Columbia by Bartholomew, 1922: Victoria, Rocky Mountains, Vancouver Island, Fraser River

Step into the storied landscapes of Canada’s Pacific frontier with “British Columbia.”, a map crafted in 1922 by the illustrious John George Bartholomew. Bearing its original title with a period—an elegant touch from the era—this map stands as a testament to the golden age of cartography. Commissioned for the second issue of the 1920 edition of The Times Atlas & Gazetteer of the World, it captures the province at a pivotal moment in its development, when railways, resource towns, and natural wonders were shaping the region’s destiny. The map’s meticulous detail invites viewers to explore the vast and varied terrain of British Columbia, from the rugged Pacific coastline to the snow-capped peaks of the Rocky Mountains.

Bartholomew, often hailed as “the Prince of Cartographers,” brought an unprecedented level of artistry and precision to this work. His innovative use of hypsometric tints—subtle gradations of color to indicate elevation—breathes life into the mountainous spine of the province, while spot heights pinpoint the summits that define its skyline. The map’s bathymetric tints reveal the mysterious depths of the Pacific and the intricate waterways that carve through the land, such as the mighty Fraser and Columbia Rivers. This visual language not only enhances the map’s beauty but also provides an intuitive understanding of British Columbia’s dramatic topography.

A closer examination reveals a province teeming with geographic and historic significance. Vancouver Island and the Queen Charlotte Islands (now Haida Gwaii) are elegantly outlined, while the Cariboo and Kootenay regions—epicenters of gold rushes and mining booms—speak to the province’s adventurous past. The map highlights the labyrinthine network of lakes, including Okanagan and Shuswap, and the vital arteries of commerce and migration, such as the Canadian Pacific Railway. Each feature is rendered with a cartographer’s devotion to accuracy, reflecting Bartholomew’s commitment to both science and art.

Cities and towns are marked with a careful hand, offering a snapshot of British Columbia’s urban evolution. Vancouver, Victoria, and New Westminster anchor the province’s burgeoning metropolitan heart, while smaller settlements like Kamloops, Prince George, and Nelson hint at the waves of settlement and economic activity that defined the early twentieth century. The map’s inset of the Vancouver area, presented at an impressive scale, provides a rare and detailed glimpse into a city on the cusp of modern transformation.

This map is more than a geographical reference—it is a historical artifact, encapsulating the spirit of exploration, enterprise, and natural grandeur that has always defined British Columbia. As part of The Times Atlas’s legacy, it marks a significant transition in the history of mapmaking, with Bartholomew’s vision setting new standards for accuracy and aesthetic appeal. For collectors, historians, or those simply enchanted by the landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, “British Columbia.” offers a window into a world where every mountain, river, and border tells a story.

Cities and towns on this map

• Vancouver
• Surrey
• Burnaby
• Richmond
• Abbotsford
• Coquitlam
• Kelowna
• Nanaimo
• Kamloops
• Victoria
• Chilliwack
• Prince George
• Vernon
• Langley
• Penticton
• Campbell River
• Courtenay
• Powell River
• Nelson
• Cranbrook
• Dawson Creek
• Terrace
• Quesnel
• Williams Lake
• Fort St. John
• Trail
• Kitimat
• Smithers
• Revelstoke
• Fernie
• Golden
• Creston
• Merritt
• Salmon Arm
• Squamish
• Port Alberni
• Parksville
• Sidney
• Kimberley
• Grand Forks
• Castlegar
• Hope
• Lillooet
• Princeton
• Hazelton
• Stewart
• New Westminster
• Esquimalt
• Saanich
• North Vancouver
• West Vancouver

Notable Features & Landmarks

• The Rocky Mountains, prominently depicted with hypsometric tints
• The Coast Mountains, running parallel to the Pacific coastline
• The Columbia River, a major river system in southern British Columbia
• The Fraser River, flowing from the interior to the Pacific Ocean
• Okanagan Lake, a significant inland water body
• Vancouver Island, shown off the southwest coast
• Queen Charlotte Islands (now known as Haida Gwaii), labeled off the northwest coast
• The Strait of Georgia, separating Vancouver Island from the mainland
• Bathymetric shading in the Pacific Ocean and major lakes
• The Cariboo region, historically significant for the Cariboo Gold Rush
• The Kootenay region, known for its mountainous terrain and mining history
• The Skeena River, a major river in northern British Columbia
• The Peace River, flowing in the northeast of the province
• Major railway lines, including the Canadian Pacific Railway
• Provincial boundaries and county/district divisions clearly marked
• Inset map of the Vancouver area for greater detail
• Spot heights marking significant mountain peaks
• The Alaska boundary, showing the border with the United States
• The southern border with the United States (Washington State)
• The presence of several large lakes, such as Shuswap Lake and Arrow Lakes

Historical and design context

• Created in 1922 by John George Bartholomew, a renowned British cartographer known for his innovative techniques and artistry
• Commissioned for the second issue of the 1920 edition of The Times Atlas & Gazetteer of the World
• Marked a significant transition in cartographic sources, replacing maps by Andree from the 1895 edition
• Detailed political and physical map showing county or provincial boundaries, topography, hydrography, and transportation routes
• Employs hypsometric tints (color shading by elevation) and spot heights to depict topographical variations
• Bathymetric tints used to illustrate the depths of water bodies
• Included a page of corrections from the earlier 1920 edition, reflecting a commitment to accuracy and refinement
• Exemplifies early 20th-century cartographic art, with careful attention to color, typography, and geographical accuracy
• Represents a period of transition and advancement in atlas cartography, and is a valuable artifact for collectors and historians
• The Times Atlas series, beginning with this edition, has continued to be a standard reference for global cartography
• Emphasizes both physical geography (mountains, rivers, lakes) and political divisions (counties, districts)
• Notable for its detailed depiction of natural features and transportation infrastructure as of the early 1920s

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 70in (180cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and customised products take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes 1 or 2 days.

Please note that very large framed orders usually take longer to make and deliver. 

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps and artwork in 23 countries around the world. This means your order will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and ensures that it won't be damaged during delivery. You'll never pay customs or import duty, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps and art prints are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all orders within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks, mugs and tote bags) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

Next Day delivery is also available in some countries (US, UK, Singapore, UAE) but please try to order early in the day so that we can get it sent out on time.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps, art and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte (not shiny) cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced box wood frame, and then 'float' the piece within a wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing to get in the way.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read my size guide first.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your order for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your restored map or art print. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and art prints and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore maps and artwork that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps and illustrations can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore them. As a result, I guarantee my maps and art prints are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps and art prints look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.